Youth receive personal, educational benefits as St. Rose volunteers

While retirees continue to be the backbone of the volunteer crew at St. Rose Health Center, they could use a little help from younger people in the community.

Two types of volunteer-service opportunities are available. Both would not only be educational and personally rewarding, but also the experience would be attractive to colleges and universities as students pursue their education, said Carol Gotsche, St. Rose administrative services manager.

“Those who volunteer to escort patients or work in The Gift Box will hone many skills as they give their time to help others,” Gotsche said. “For example, volunteers interact with people from throughout the community, while learning about the many facets of health care. Gift Box workers also learn to operate a cash register and the importance of customer service.

“Maybe most important,” Gotsche continued, “being a volunteer is personally rewarding. You can discover what it means to make a difference in someone’s life. As a compassionate volunteer, you could be the first friendly face our patients and families see when they arrive for care and treatment. You can be a little spark in their lives.”

Lacy Wolters, ACT/career coordinator for USD 428, echoed Gotsche’s comments and noted the importance of volunteering when it comes to higher education.

“Our counselors and I visit with students about the rewards of volunteer service,” Wolters said. “We encourage them to volunteer during their high school years and talk with them about specific opportunities when we learn about them.

“Volunteering is very important because universities, scholarship committees and prospective employers want to select candidates that are well rounded and active in their communities,” she emphasized. “St. Rose would be a good venue for volunteers because all of us can relate to going to doctors’ appointments and having medical tests.”

Anyone 16 or older is encouraged to contact Gotsche about becoming a St. Rose volunteer by calling 620-786-6163.

The number of hours donated each week or month is up to the volunteer. “They can schedule their hours according to what is convenient for them,” Gotsche said. “We are flexible and will accommodate them in any way we can.”

Ideally, Gotsche said, St. Rose would add 20 new people of all ages to its volunteer roster.